May 17, 2004

Anime Expo announces latest guest additions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LEGENDARY VOICE ACTOR Tomokazu Seki
& ANIME THEME IDOL MIQ
FUEL ANTICIPATION FOR ANIME EXPO 2004 SET FOR JULY 2-5, 2004

First-time Japanese Festival at Anime Expo to Benefit Local Charities

Anaheim, California (May 17, 2004) — Anime Expo 2004 (AX2004) is set to heat up the Anaheim Convention Center as it adds legendary voice talent Tomokazu Seki as another Guest of Honor. With more than 50 anime credits under his belt, fans may recognize his voice from Taiho Schichauzo (You're Under Arrest!), Pompoko, Wedding Peach, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Fushigi Yuugi, Escaflowne, X, Nadesico, Those Who Hunt Elves, Cardcaptor Sakura, Chobits, Fruits Basket, Initial D, to only name a few.

To add to the anime enthusiasm, singing sensation MIQ will also be added to the Guest of Honor roster. MIQ (formerly known as MIO), is renowned for her anime theme titles. With songs such as "Hey You" from Sentou Mecha Xabungle, "Fly Dunbine" and "Can't You See Byston Well" opening and ending themes from Aura Battler Dunbine, and "Time For L-Gaim" and "Starlight Shower" opening and ending themes from Heavy Metal L-Gaim, and "Burning Spirit" from Super Robot Taisen 64.

Hosted by the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation, AX2004 takes place July 2-5, and is the largest anime convention in the United States devoted to Japanese animation and manga (comic books).

For the first time ever, in an effort to promote Japanese culture and art, AX2004 will be hosting a 3-day Japanese festival event. During each of the three days, a raffle will be held and proceeds will be donated to a local charity organization. Anime Expo will generously match a percentage of each day's proceeds. The Japanese festival will feature games and food organized by local and international organizations. For more information, visit http://www.anime-expo.org.

AX2004 serves to foster trade, commerce and the interests of the animation and comics industry by serving as a key meeting place for members of the industry to conduct business. Sponsors include Viz Comics, Animerica, ADV Films, Geneon, Tofu Records, Newtype USA and Anime Network. Sponsor hotels include Anaheim Hilton, Anaheim Marriott, or Anaheim Coast Hotels. The cost to attend the three-day expo is $45; One Day Pass: $25; Two Day Pass: $40; Children: $20 (12 years and under; 5 and under free if accompanied by member). Parental advisory: Some anime and manga content contains adult themes.

The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation is a non-profit organization with a mission to popularize and educate the American public about anime and manga as well as provide a forum to facilitate communication between professionals and fans.

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